Skype is a software application that allows users to make calls to landlines or mobile phones, instant message, video conference, and transfer files. All you need is an internet connection. You can talk to people in different states and even different countries as long as they have a Skype account. Skype is a great tool that you can use for so many different purposes in a classroom as well.
How to get started with SKYPE:
To begin, log onto any computer with an internet connection. You will type, "www.skype.com" and from there you will see a tab along the top of browser that says "Download". Click download to install this software to your computer; after the installation is complete, you will be asked to create an account. It takes just a few minutes and it is absolutely free! You can also download Skype onto your iPhone or iPod touch.
How to use SKYPE to call someone:
1. Click the Call phones tab. In the main window, you will see a key pad, calling rates to all countries, and a Buy Skype Credit button.
How to buy credit
2.In the main window, click on the flag menu and change the country if you're calling abroad . Then click in the box beside the flag. Type the phone number or click numbers on the keypad.
Enter Phone Number
3. Check you've got the number right.Then click the green “Call button.” 4. If you'll call this number regularly, click the Save button under the dial pad.
Next time, just find it in your Contacts so you don't have to type it in again.
Save this phone number to your Contact list
If you've saved the number in your Contacts:
1. Click the Contacts button at the top of Skype.
2. In your Contact list, find the person you want to call.
Then click on them.
3. In the main window, click the green Call button.
Useful things you can do on a call:
Mute – click this icon
Mute button
to mute your microphone so the other person can't hear you.
Hold – click on this icon
Pause button
to put the call on hold.
Send an SMS – if you're calling a cell phone, click the SMS button under the dialpad to send an SMS instead.
How to video chat:
1. Make sure you've got a webcam and check:
- it's plugged into your computer
- you've installed the software that came with it
- it's switched on.
2. In your Contact list, find the person you want to talk to.
Click on them.
3. In the main window, click the green Video call button.
Video Call Button
4. Smile, wave, say hello!
Smile!
Useful things you can do on a video call:
Resize the screen – click and drag the corner of the video screen to make it bigger or smaller.
Move it around – click and drag the video of yourself around your screen.
IM at the same time – click the Show messages link at the top of the video to instant message while you're on the call.
Here is a video that shows you how to download and use SKYPE.
It shows some tricks that can be very useful.
Other Features of SKYPE:
Personalize your Skype account by adding a profile picture. To add a picture, simply click on the "personalize" tab at the top of the browser and click "change your picture". Skype credit can be purchased to subscribe to extra features such as voicemail, Skype text messaging, and call forwarding. Visit the Skype website for a complete listing of the features and products offered through Skype credit.
In the top right corner there is a "Help" button, once you are there it will allow you to search the site for any questions. If the problems that you encountered persist, you can contact them with your questions or concerns.
The link below is a great resource that can help you figure out any problems you are having with Skype.
*Conduct an interview with the author of a book that your class just completed
*Use a webcam to talk to students in a buddy or pen pal class that is located in a different part of the country or world so the students can see what other classrooms look like and how students learn in other areas*Use Skype to do video or voice calls with adults from many different professions to complete a career unit. This would allow the students to see the job place via the webcam.*Skype can connect students who are learning a new language with peers who are learning the same language to allow them to practice their skills and share tips and information.*Bring a field trip to the classroom, if some students are unable to participate.*If your classroom is talking about local government, getting a guest speaker is easier than ever!*Skype is a great tool for after school help! When students are unable to stay at school teachers, tutors, librarians, etc. can easily be available to help!
*Include ALL students, even ones who are not able to be in class (long-term illnesses/situations; cancer, mono, broken limbs, etc.)
Teacher Uses:
*Use Skype to make yourself available to your students when you have to miss a day; you could make a short conference call with students to see how the day is going and if there are any questions on assignments or instruction.*Teacher-to-Teacher or administrative conferencing.
*Parent/Teacher Conferences: so many parents are unable to make the 2:30-5:00 conferences; Skype allows free connection at their convenience.
50 Ways to Use Skype in Your Classroom Promoting Education These great ideas are all about teaching students in dynamic ways.
Videoconferencing in the Classroom with Skype. This teacher used the movie "Hoop Dreams" to help teach about social inequality, then was able to get the executive producer of the movie, Gordon Quinn, to participate in a Skype session with her class.
The Many Roles of Skype in the Classroom. These amazing 7th graders used Skype as a part of their history project that resulted in their collaboration with the curator of the National Museum in Canada.
Field trips. If students aren’t able to participate in a field trip due to factors such as budgetary or distance constraints, use Skype to bring the field trip into the classroom.
Skyping in Mike Artell- Illustrator & Author. This inspirational lesson has an illustrator working directly with 6th graders to work on the art of illustrating and story creation.
After school help. Use Skype as a tool to provide after school help to students needing extra attention. Tutors, teachers, or librarians can be available at set times in the afternoons for student access.
"Not education as usual," with Skype and author Cory Doctorow. This class was practicing how to convince the school board to allow a controversial book to be taught in their school and had the opportunity to Skype with the author of the book to help promote their case.
Interviews. Whether you have students conducting interviews or your class is interviewed, Skype facilitates the interview process. Individual students can interview other teachers or school staff, sending the Skype feed to the classroom for all to watch.
Guest lecturers. Have guest lecturers come to your classroom via Skype.
Promoting Community Using Skype in the classroom can promote communities within a school or globally.
Connect special needs students. Students who may have to be out of the classroom due to special needs or IEP requirements don’t have to miss any special events in the classroom with Skype.
Foreign culture lessons. Skype allows students to see first hand what people’s homes, schools, clothing, weather, and more looks like. If a festival takes place, Skype can bring it to your classroom too.
Connect with families from around the world. Form friendships that can easily bridge distance gaps with Skype.
Skype Calls for e-Twinning in L2. Find out how this teacher brought two classes together that had been Twittering all semester when they finally got to meet "face-to-face" with Skype.
Best Day Ever!. This teacher describes three Skype calls her class had in one day–the most exciting being with a class in a different time zone with whom her students had been collaborating on a project through Google docs. With Skype, the students got to work at the same time and actually see each other, too.
Present a performance. Whether your class puts on a play, demonstrates a science experiment, or presents the results of a class project, share the fruits of their works with other classes, parents, or other interested people.
Share field trips with others. If your class goes out for a field trip, see about connecting with parents or other classes to share your classes’ experience.
Skype Ideas for Teachers and Parents Teachers and parents can benefit from Skype in the classroom, too.
Professional development. Teachers can use Skype to access professional development opportunities, such as watching conference presentations.
Share students’ work with parents. Let parents get a first-hand look at what their children are doing with Skype.
Conference with parents. Whether a parent has to miss a regular conference or a concern comes up that requires speaking with a parent, Skype can provide an opportunity to connect with a parent that may not otherwise be available for a conference.
Collaborate with other teachers. Who says Skype has to be fun just for the kids? With Skype, teachers can collaborate on ideas, projects, and more.
Share travel experiences. If you will be traveling during the school year, arrange for your substitute to connect with you via Skype and you can share the experience with your class.
Receive teaching feedback. Have an experienced or mentor teacher watch you teach via Skype and receive valuable feedback.
Be available to students. If your school is suddenly closed for a while or if you want to set up conference hours for students, use Skype to allow students to contact you.
Tutor former students. If a student has moved away or you want to offer accredited online degrees or just moved up from your class, you can be available for tutoring (for free or for a fee) via Skype.
Bring busy parents into the classroom. A busy parent who has knowledge to share with the classroom may be more likely to be able to make the time for a presentation if she or he can do so with Skype rather than having to leave work and come to the school.
Resources for Getting Started and Using Skype Find out how you can take advantage of Skype with the advice below.
Classroom Collaboration with Skype. This primer offers help with using Skype, connecting with others, and ideas for using it in the classroom.
eduwikius – SKYPE. This wiki contains plenty of information about using Skype in the classroom and also provides links to additional resources.
A Skype from the classroom. Find information on videoconferencing in general, the pros and cons of using Skype, school project ideas, and more here.
Using skype in the classroom. Learn from this teacher’s experience as she describes using Skype and how to best prepare your class and yourself for a great educational opportunity.
Finding Others Using Skype Here are a few ways to connect with others using Skype in classrooms and to promote education.
ePALS. Sign up for a free account here, then find other teachers and classes around the globe using Skype.
Skype an Author Into Your Library or Classroom. This site will connect schools with authors through Skype. Short sessions are free, while longer sessions are subject to a fee set by each author.
Skype in Schools. List yourself or find others in this directory just for educators seeking Skype collaboration.
Skype in the Classroom – The EduSkypers Phonebook. Scroll through these comments to find other teachers from around the world looking to connect through Skype. The most recent are at the very end of the list.
Global SchoolNet. This organization works to connect teachers and students around the world through forensic science programs. Browse to find something of interest or start your own project.
TakingITGlobal. Another project-based organization, this one focuses on youth looking to make positive global changes.
Make sure you have the IP address of the site you want to call or that the site is listed in a directory.
Set your camera presets before you start your call so that you can quickly use them during the call.
Use the "mute" button on the remote control when another site is speaking, and deactivate when you wish to speak.
Avoid "double talk"; allow the other site/person to finish speaking before you speak. Double talking may cause audio feedback and echo from the audio bridge.
Set up the equipment before the scheduled time so you will have time to test the system and resolve any issues before the meeting.
Tips for Great Video
Avoid wearing bright colors, all-light or all-dark clothing, or very "busy" patterns (such as small checks or narrow stripes).
Light pastels and muted colors look the best on the screen.
If there are windows in the room, close any drapes or blinds. Daylight is a variable light source and can conflict with interior room lighting.
Use natural gestures when you speak.
When adjusting your camera, try to fill the screen as much as possible with people rather than with the table, chairs, walls, lights, or the floor.
Tips for Great Audio
Speak in your normal voice, without shouting.
Ask the people at the other site if they can hear you.
Have them introduce themselves so you can be sure that you can hear them.
Mute the microphone before moving it during a meeting.
Since the audio has a very slight delay, you may want to pause briefly for others to answer you or to make comments.
As with any meeting, try to limit side conversations.
Place the microphone on the table in front of the people in the meeting.
Tips for Multipoint Calls
The Multipoint Bridge is responsible for the video switching in a voice-activated multipoint. It switches automatically among the conference sites depending on who is speaking.
Your voice will activate the Multipoint Bridge, which will change the picture from the last person who spoke to the person currently speaking.
Tips for Showing Content
Check that your computer has the application you need to show your documents, such as Microsoft PowerPoint, Project, or Word.
For a smoother presentation, make sure your presentation is ready to show. Test it before you start the call.
ooVoo
It might have one of those abstract Web 2.0 names, but ooVoo is a free video conferencing service not to be laughed at. It’s a free download that can run on Windows and Mac OS X (with a Linux version in the offing). The free version of ooVoo lets you video conference with up to 3 people or you can upgrade to chat with up to 6 people. If your contact isn’t online you can also leave a recorded video message, which is a very handy feature. Other non-video features in ooVoo include VoIP calls, IM, text chat and person-to-person file transfer. In all, ooVoo is most definitely worth trying out especially if you can foresee yourself only ever video conferencing with one or maybe two other people at a time.
SightSpeed
SightSpeed
I’ve been a longtime fan of SightSpeed, even in the face of stiff competition from arch rival Skype. What I like about SightSpeed is that this application, which runs without issue on Windows, Mac OS X and Linux, offers so much: IM, VoIP and, of course, video chat all come as standard. Free video conferencing with SightSpeed is a real highlight; it’s fast, crisp and responsive. The free version allows person-to-person video conferencing only but this can be upgraded to a 4-way video conference by signing up to the monthly plan.
Skype
Skype
This ubiquitous softphone offers VoIP, IM and video chat in one application. As this is a post about free video conferencing, I decided to place Skype behind SightSpeed simply because the option to upgrade is not there. Unlike SightSpeed, where you can upgrade and video conference with 4 people simultaneously, Skype is limited to free person-to-person video chat. It is free, however, and does work well on Windows, Mac OS X and Linux.
PalBee
PalBee
The great thing about PalBee is that it is completely web-based, therefore there are no downloads or installs: all you need is an account with PalBee and a webcam connected to your computer. Once you have got your meeting room setup it’s just a matter of sharing the URL with up to five of your friends. The one caveat is that there is a one hour time limit on using the meeting room. PalBee has a great recording capability built right in that lets you record a conference and then embed it on your blog or profile, or simply share with contacts. If you don’t mind the one hour limit and plan on conducting relatively small conferences (< 5 participants), then PalBee is definitely worth a shot.
Wengomeeting
Wengomeeting
The Wengomeeting audio and video conference service is developed by the same French company behind the well known Skype alternative, WengoPhone. Like PalBee, Wengomeeting is a browser-based service that uses Flash technology, which means that it can run on Windows, Mac OS X or Linux. Getting a meeting organised is fairly easy: simply use the online form to enter contact details and they will be given all information pertinent to the conference. Just as with PalBee, Wengomeeting will accommodate up to 5 users simultaneously.
iChat
iChat
What list of free video conferencing apps, services and tools would be complete without Apple’s iChat? While it may only run on Mac OS X, iChat lets you chat, talk and video conference with contacts on the AIM network. While iChat is an accomplished text and voice app, it excels at video. You can video conference with up to 3 others simultaneously with iChat, and it doesn’t cost a thing. That sounds great, but iChat has other tricks up its sleeve. For instance, you can apply custom backdrop images or video to make it look like you are in a meeting room or on the beach. As well as this, iChat also has built in screen sharing support and capability to share any file supported by their Quick Look technology. Do I like iChat. Yep, I most certainly do. Is it the panacea of free video conferencing? No, not for everyone. But if you are looking for free multi attendee video conferencing on a Mac, iChat is pretty good indeed!
Differienciation for Special Needs Students:
Video conferencing is a great way for special needs students to interact with others. The instructor might have to set up the account and start the video call for the students. Prior instructions about behavior and what will be discussed during the video may be needed. Expected behavior and rules about the use of the equiptment should be given before the call begins.
Innovations Mini-Teach
Skype
Nicole Cooney, Samantha Howard, Becky Nieto
September 14, 2010
What is SKYPE?
Skype is a software application that allows users to make calls to landlines or mobile phones, instant message, video conference, and transfer files. All you need is an internet connection. You can talk to people in different states and even different countries as long as they have a Skype account. Skype is a great tool that you can use for so many different purposes in a classroom as well.
How to get started with SKYPE:
To begin, log onto any computer with an internet connection. You will type, "www.skype.com" and from there you will see a tab along the top of browser that says "Download". Click download to install this software to your computer; after the installation is complete, you will be asked to create an account. It takes just a few minutes and it is absolutely free! You can also download Skype onto your iPhone or iPod touch.
How to use SKYPE to call someone:
1. Click the Call phones tab. In the main window, you will see a key pad, calling rates to all countries, and a Buy Skype Credit button.
2.In the main window, click on the flag menu and change the country if you're calling abroad
. Then click in the box beside the flag. Type the phone number or click numbers on the keypad.
3. Check you've got the number right.Then click the green “Call button.”
4. If you'll call this number regularly, click the Save button under the dial pad.
Next time, just find it in your Contacts so you don't have to type it in again.
If you've saved the number in your Contacts:
1. Click the Contacts button at the top of Skype.
2. In your Contact list, find the person you want to call.
Then click on them.
3. In the main window, click the green Call button.Useful things you can do on a call:
How to video chat:
1. Make sure you've got a webcam and check:- it's plugged into your computer
- you've installed the software that came with it
- it's switched on.
2. In your Contact list, find the person you want to talk to.
Click on them.
3. In the main window, click the green Video call button.
4. Smile, wave, say hello!
Useful things you can do on a video call:
Here is a video that shows you how to download and use SKYPE.
It shows some tricks that can be very useful.
Other Features of SKYPE:
Personalize your Skype account by adding a profile picture. To add a picture, simply click on the "personalize" tab at the top of the browser and click "change your picture". Skype credit can be purchased to subscribe to extra features such as voicemail, Skype text messaging, and call forwarding. Visit the Skype website for a complete listing of the features and products offered through Skype credit.
Below is a link for a Skype video tutorialhttp://forum.skype.com/index.php?showtopic=41492
Troubleshooting on SKYPE:
In the top right corner there is a "Help" button, once you are there it will allow you to search the site for any questions. If the problems that you encountered persist, you can contact them with your questions or concerns.
The link below is a great resource that can help you figure out any problems you are having with Skype.
http://dualphone.net/Skype_troubleshooting-1280.aspxGeneral Uses:
Classroom Uses:
*Conduct an interview with the author of a book that your class just completed
*Use a webcam to talk to students in a buddy or pen pal class that is located in a different part of the country or world so the students can see what other classrooms look like and how students learn in other areas*Use Skype to do video or voice calls with adults from many different professions to complete a career unit. This would allow the students to see the job place via the webcam.*Skype can connect students who are learning a new language with peers who are learning the same language to allow them to practice their skills and share tips and information.*Bring a field trip to the classroom, if some students are unable to participate.*If your classroom is talking about local government, getting a guest speaker is easier than ever!*Skype is a great tool for after school help! When students are unable to stay at school teachers, tutors, librarians, etc. can easily be available to help!*Include ALL students, even ones who are not able to be in class (long-term illnesses/situations; cancer, mono, broken limbs, etc.)
Teacher Uses:
*Use Skype to make yourself available to your students when you have to miss a day; you could make a short conference call with students to see how the day is going and if there are any questions on assignments or instruction.*Teacher-to-Teacher or administrative conferencing.
*Parent/Teacher Conferences: so many parents are unable to make the 2:30-5:00 conferences; Skype allows free connection at their convenience.50 Ways to Use Skype in Your Classroom
Promoting Education
These great ideas are all about teaching students in dynamic ways.
- See Me, Hear Me: Skype in the Classroom. Read how these students had the opportunity to chat with an author of the book they studied via Skype.
- Videoconferencing in the Classroom with Skype. This teacher used the movie "Hoop Dreams" to help teach about social inequality, then was able to get the executive producer of the movie, Gordon Quinn, to participate in a Skype session with her class.
- The Many Roles of Skype in the Classroom. These amazing 7th graders used Skype as a part of their history project that resulted in their collaboration with the curator of the National Museum in Canada.
- Field trips. If students aren’t able to participate in a field trip due to factors such as budgetary or distance constraints, use Skype to bring the field trip into the classroom.
- Using Skype in the languages classroom. Find out how this teacher uses Skype to help her students study foreign languages from native speakers.
- Skyping in Mike Artell- Illustrator & Author. This inspirational lesson has an illustrator working directly with 6th graders to work on the art of illustrating and story creation.
- After school help. Use Skype as a tool to provide after school help to students needing extra attention. Tutors, teachers, or librarians can be available at set times in the afternoons for student access.
- "Not education as usual," with Skype and author Cory Doctorow. This class was practicing how to convince the school board to allow a controversial book to be taught in their school and had the opportunity to Skype with the author of the book to help promote their case.
- Interviews. Whether you have students conducting interviews or your class is interviewed, Skype facilitates the interview process. Individual students can interview other teachers or school staff, sending the Skype feed to the classroom for all to watch.
- Guest lecturers. Have guest lecturers come to your classroom via Skype.
Promoting CommunityUsing Skype in the classroom can promote communities within a school or globally.
- Inclusion — helping a classmate join the classroom from home. This blog post explains how a 4th grade class used Skype to help a classmate with leukemia become a part of the classroom from her home.
- Connect special needs students. Students who may have to be out of the classroom due to special needs or IEP requirements don’t have to miss any special events in the classroom with Skype.
- Blue tongue lizard, vegemite and cricket. What the…????. This Australian teacher describes her class’ experience connecting with a Korean class via Skype.
- Foreign culture lessons. Skype allows students to see first hand what people’s homes, schools, clothing, weather, and more looks like. If a festival takes place, Skype can bring it to your classroom too.
- Connect with families from around the world. Form friendships that can easily bridge distance gaps with Skype.
- Skype Calls for e-Twinning in L2. Find out how this teacher brought two classes together that had been Twittering all semester when they finally got to meet "face-to-face" with Skype.
- Best Day Ever!. This teacher describes three Skype calls her class had in one day–the most exciting being with a class in a different time zone with whom her students had been collaborating on a project through Google docs. With Skype, the students got to work at the same time and actually see each other, too.
- Present a performance. Whether your class puts on a play, demonstrates a science experiment, or presents the results of a class project, share the fruits of their works with other classes, parents, or other interested people.
- Share field trips with others. If your class goes out for a field trip, see about connecting with parents or other classes to share your classes’ experience.
- ‘Slumdog Millionaire’ inspiration uses Skype to help kids in India learn. Find out how Skype is connecting grannies in the UK with children in India for both a cultural connection and an educational benefit.
Skype Ideas for Teachers and ParentsTeachers and parents can benefit from Skype in the classroom, too.
- Professional development. Teachers can use Skype to access professional development opportunities, such as watching conference presentations.
- Share students’ work with parents. Let parents get a first-hand look at what their children are doing with Skype.
- Conference with parents. Whether a parent has to miss a regular conference or a concern comes up that requires speaking with a parent, Skype can provide an opportunity to connect with a parent that may not otherwise be available for a conference.
- Innovative teacher uses Skype and Wikis to involve parents. See how this teacher helped share information with parents using Skype and the PBS program, Growing Up Online.
- Collaborate with other teachers. Who says Skype has to be fun just for the kids? With Skype, teachers can collaborate on ideas, projects, and more.
- Share travel experiences. If you will be traveling during the school year, arrange for your substitute to connect with you via Skype and you can share the experience with your class.
- Receive teaching feedback. Have an experienced or mentor teacher watch you teach via Skype and receive valuable feedback.
- Be available to students. If your school is suddenly closed for a while or if you want to set up conference hours for students, use Skype to allow students to contact you.
- Tutor former students. If a student has moved away or you want to offer accredited online degrees or just moved up from your class, you can be available for tutoring (for free or for a fee) via Skype.
- Bring busy parents into the classroom. A busy parent who has knowledge to share with the classroom may be more likely to be able to make the time for a presentation if she or he can do so with Skype rather than having to leave work and come to the school.
Resources for Getting Started and Using SkypeFind out how you can take advantage of Skype with the advice below.
- Using Skype in the Classroom (or just learning how to use it!). This teacher provides the basics to get Skype set up with your class.
- Skype in the Classroom. This article offers help on ways to set up Skype, tips for finding other teachers on Skype, technical obstacles, and more.
- Skype Tutorials for Teachers, Authors, Librarians. Find a handful of video and text tutorials here to get you going with Skype.
- Classroom Collaboration with Skype. This primer offers help with using Skype, connecting with others, and ideas for using it in the classroom.
- eduwikius – SKYPE. This wiki contains plenty of information about using Skype in the classroom and also provides links to additional resources.
- A Skype from the classroom. Find information on videoconferencing in general, the pros and cons of using Skype, school project ideas, and more here.
- Using skype in the classroom. Learn from this teacher’s experience as she describes using Skype and how to best prepare your class and yourself for a great educational opportunity.
- Skype is a Valuable Educational Tool. This podcast explains why teachers should use Skype and puts some nasty rumors about Skype to rest.
- Using Skype in schools – some tips. Read these helpful tips, including suggestions on using Skype usernames at school and home.
- Skype: Talk to Anyone, Anywhere for Free. Watch this "techtorial" or print the text version to learn the basics of Skype.
Finding Others Using SkypeHere are a few ways to connect with others using Skype in classrooms and to promote education.
http://www.teachingdegree.org/2009/06/30/50-awesome-ways-to-use-skype-in-the-classroom/
For additional ideas and tips for using SKYPE visit:
http://www.teachingdegree.org/2009/06/30/50-awesome-ways-to-use-skype-in-the-classroom/http://www.suite101.com/content/tips-for-using-skype-in-the-classroom-a205290Facts or Need to Knows
Tips for Great Meetings- Make sure you have the IP address of the site you want to call or that the site is listed in a directory.
- Set your camera presets before you start your call so that you can quickly use them during the call.
- Use the "mute" button on the remote control when another site is speaking, and deactivate when you wish to speak.
- Avoid "double talk"; allow the other site/person to finish speaking before you speak. Double talking may cause audio feedback and echo from the audio bridge.
- Set up the equipment before the scheduled time so you will have time to test the system and resolve any issues before the meeting.
Tips for Great Video- Avoid wearing bright colors, all-light or all-dark clothing, or very "busy" patterns (such as small checks or narrow stripes).
- Light pastels and muted colors look the best on the screen.
- If there are windows in the room, close any drapes or blinds. Daylight is a variable light source and can conflict with interior room lighting.
- Use natural gestures when you speak.
- When adjusting your camera, try to fill the screen as much as possible with people rather than with the table, chairs, walls, lights, or the floor.
Tips for Great Audio- Speak in your normal voice, without shouting.
- Ask the people at the other site if they can hear you.
- Have them introduce themselves so you can be sure that you can hear them.
- Mute the microphone before moving it during a meeting.
- Since the audio has a very slight delay, you may want to pause briefly for others to answer you or to make comments.
- As with any meeting, try to limit side conversations.
- Place the microphone on the table in front of the people in the meeting.
Tips for Multipoint Calls- The Multipoint Bridge is responsible for the video switching in a voice-activated multipoint. It switches automatically among the conference sites depending on who is speaking.
- Your voice will activate the Multipoint Bridge, which will change the picture from the last person who spoke to the person currently speaking.
Tips for Showing Content- Check that your computer has the application you need to show your documents, such as Microsoft PowerPoint, Project, or Word.
- For a smoother presentation, make sure your presentation is ready to show. Test it before you start the call.
http://groups.ucanr.org/VC/Video_Conferencing_Etiquette_and_Tips/the best free video conferencing apps!**
ooVoo
ooVoo
SightSpeed
SightSpeed
Skype
Skype
PalBee
PalBee
Wengomeeting
Wengomeeting
iChat
iChat
**It might have one of those abstract Web 2.0 names, but ooVoo is a free video conferencing service not to be laughed at. It’s a free download that can run on Windows and Mac OS X (with a Linux version in the offing). The free version of ooVoo lets you video conference with up to 3 people or you can upgrade to chat with up to 6 people. If your contact isn’t online you can also leave a recorded video message, which is a very handy feature. Other non-video features in ooVoo include VoIP calls, IM, text chat and person-to-person file transfer. In all, ooVoo is most definitely worth trying out especially if you can foresee yourself only ever video conferencing with one or maybe two other people at a time.
I’ve been a longtime fan of SightSpeed, even in the face of stiff competition from arch rival Skype. What I like about SightSpeed is that this application, which runs without issue on Windows, Mac OS X and Linux, offers so much: IM, VoIP and, of course, video chat all come as standard. Free video conferencing with SightSpeed is a real highlight; it’s fast, crisp and responsive. The free version allows person-to-person video conferencing only but this can be upgraded to a 4-way video conference by signing up to the monthly plan.
This ubiquitous softphone offers VoIP, IM and video chat in one application. As this is a post about free video conferencing, I decided to place Skype behind SightSpeed simply because the option to upgrade is not there. Unlike SightSpeed, where you can upgrade and video conference with 4 people simultaneously, Skype is limited to free person-to-person video chat. It is free, however, and does work well on Windows, Mac OS X and Linux.
The great thing about PalBee is that it is completely web-based, therefore there are no downloads or installs: all you need is an account with PalBee and a webcam connected to your computer. Once you have got your meeting room setup it’s just a matter of sharing the URL with up to five of your friends. The one caveat is that there is a one hour time limit on using the meeting room. PalBee has a great recording capability built right in that lets you record a conference and then embed it on your blog or profile, or simply share with contacts. If you don’t mind the one hour limit and plan on conducting relatively small conferences (< 5 participants), then PalBee is definitely worth a shot.
The Wengomeeting audio and video conference service is developed by the same French company behind the well known Skype alternative, WengoPhone. Like PalBee, Wengomeeting is a browser-based service that uses Flash technology, which means that it can run on Windows, Mac OS X or Linux. Getting a meeting organised is fairly easy: simply use the online form to enter contact details and they will be given all information pertinent to the conference. Just as with PalBee, Wengomeeting will accommodate up to 5 users simultaneously.
What list of free video conferencing apps, services and tools would be complete without Apple’s iChat? While it may only run on Mac OS X, iChat lets you chat, talk and video conference with contacts on the AIM network. While iChat is an accomplished text and voice app, it excels at video. You can video conference with up to 3 others simultaneously with iChat, and it doesn’t cost a thing. That sounds great, but iChat has other tricks up its sleeve. For instance, you can apply custom backdrop images or video to make it look like you are in a meeting room or on the beach. As well as this, iChat also has built in screen sharing support and capability to share any file supported by their Quick Look technology. Do I like iChat. Yep, I most certainly do. Is it the panacea of free video conferencing? No, not for everyone. But if you are looking for free multi attendee video conferencing on a Mac, iChat is pretty good indeed!
http://www.voip-sol.com/6-best-free-video-conferencing-apps-services-tools/
Differienciation for Special Needs Students:
Video conferencing is a great way for special needs students to interact with others. The instructor might have to set up the account and start the video call for the students. Prior instructions about behavior and what will be discussed during the video may be needed. Expected behavior and rules about the use of the equiptment should be given before the call begins.
Sources:
Wheeler, A. (2010, February) Skype. Retrieved September 7, 2010, from < https://myasucourses.asu.edu/webapps/portal/frameset.jsp?tabGroup=courses&url=%2Fwebapps%2Fblackboard%2Fcontent%2FcontentWrapper.jsp%3Fcontent_id%3D_4362558_1%26displayName%3DLinked%2BFile%26course_id%3D_184894_1%26navItem%3Dcontent%26attachment%3Dtrue%26href%3Dhttp%253A%252F%252Ftel313prather.wikispaces.com%252F>
Dean, A. & Walker, W. (2010 September) Skype. Retrieved September 7, 2010, from < https://myasucourses.asu.edu/webapps/portal/frameset.jsp?tabGroup=courses&url=%2Fwebapps%2Fblackboard%2Fcontent%2FcontentWrapper.jsp%3Fcontent_id%3D_4362558_1%26displayName%3DLinked%2BFile%26course_id%3D_184894_1%26navItem%3Dcontent%26attachment%3Dtrue%26href%3Dhttp%253A%252F%252Ftel313prather.wikispaces.com%252F>
Nguyen, S. (2009 December) Skype. Retrieved September 7, 2010, from < https://myasucourses.asu.edu/webapps/portal/frameset.jsp?tabGroup=courses&url=%2Fwebapps%2Fblackboard%2Fcontent%2FcontentWrapper.jsp%3Fcontent_id%3D_4362558_1%26displayName%3DLinked%2BFile%26course_id%3D_184894_1%26navItem%3Dcontent%26attachment%3Dtrue%26href%3Dhttp%253A%252F%252Ftel313prather.wikispaces.com%252F>
(2010) 50 Awesome Ways to Use Skype in The Classroom. Retrieved September 13, 2010, from <http://www.teachingdegree.org/2009/06/30/50-awesome-ways-to-use-skype-in-the-classroom/>
(2008, May 26) 6 Best Free Video Conferencing Apps, Services & Tools. Retrieved September 13, 2010 from, <http://www.voip-sol.com/6-best-free-video-conferencing-apps-services-tools/>
(2009) Video Conferencing Etiquette and Tips. Retrieved September 12, 2010 from, <http://groups.ucanr.org/VC/Video_Conferencing_Etiquette_and_Tips/>
http://www.teachingdegree.org/2009/06/30/50-awesome-ways-to-use-skype-in-the-classroom/
http://tel313spring10moritz.pbworks.com/Video-Conferencing
http://teachertube.com/viewVideo.php?video_id=105424&title=Skype_for_Teachers_Introduction_in_3_Minutes
http://www.skype.com/intl/en-us/support/user-guides/ Boyel, K.( 2010 March) Video Conferencing. Retrieved September 9, 2010, from http://tel313spring10moritz.pbworks.com/Video-ConferencingTeachertube (May 17,2009) Skype for Teachers Introduction in 3 Minutes. Retrieved September 9,2010 from http://teachertube.com/viewVideo.php?video_id=105424&title=Skype_for_Teachers_Introduction_in_3_Minuteshttp://www.teachingdegree.org/2009/06/30/50-awesome-ways-to-use-skype-in-the-classroom/